Darrel R. Rogers

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 10:43 am CDT

Darrel R. Rogers, 72, of Westwood (Mt. Pleasant), died Sunday, December 24, 2023 at his residence.

Darrel was born March 12, 1951 in Olney, Illinois. He was the son of Roy Waymack and Bernice Ruth (Brooks) Rogers. He graduated from Newton (Illinois) High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Illinois. On October 20, 1979 in Harrisville, West Virginia, Darrel was united in marriage to Rosena Marie “Rosie” Dennison.

Darrel began his career with the Ferro Corporation in Parma (near Cleveland), OH. He transferred to the plant in Nashville but returned to the Cleveland area and settled in Brunswick. In August of 1996, Darrel accepted a position with the former Heatilator Corporation and moved his family to Mt. Pleasant. Following his career with Heatilator, Darrel worked for various other companies and retired from the Innovaire Metrogroup.

While growing up, Darrel was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also active in sports. That love of sports carried with him many years into adulthood, where he participated in softball, basketball, golf and bowling. When not participating in sports himself, Darrel coached Rec League soccer, baseball and basketball. He coached his own children in the sports and was a coach for teams his children were not on. He loved to attend the sporting events of Mt. Pleasant Community High School and Iowa Wesleyan University. For many years, Darrel was the timekeeper for the Iowa Wesleyan Tiger Football Team and helped at the Wesleyan Track Meets.

Faith and civic duty were central to Darrel’s life. A cradle Methodist, Darrel was an active member in the United Methodist Church in every town in which he lived. At First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Darrel taught the Becomers Sunday School Class. He served as the church’s Lay Leader and Delegate to IAUMC Annual Conference. He served on the church’s Administrative Council, Staff/Parish Relations Committee and Change-a-Child’s Story group. He volunteered to serve food for the church’s food tent and Midwest Old Threshers. Darrel helped organize Walks to Emmaus (a spiritual renewal retreat).  Darrel was a mentor for several confirmands of the church. When pastors took a Sunday off, Darrel was active in Pulpit Supply, not only for First UMC, but also several other churches in the area. Darrel was committed to helping youth in any way he could. He took time to be a story reader at the local elementary schools. Darrel served a term on the Westwood City Council and was recently re-elected to the position. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant, where he also volunteered numerous hours.

Those thankful for sharing in Darrel’s life include his wife of 44 years, Rosie of Westwood; 2 children – Dennis Rogers of Lenexa, KS and Bethany Rogers of Overland Park, KS, and a brother, David (Joyce) Rogers of Davie, Florida.

His parents precede him in death.

A memorial service for Darrel will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 3 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Friends may call from 1-3 PM on Saturday at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church’s YouTube Channel.

Those considering an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church or the Fellowship Cup of Mt. Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Darrel and his family.

New MP Trash Hauling System: Q & A

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 8:18 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant City Council had a nearly two-hour conversation with residents on Wednesday evening, who will be affected by the new garbage pick up system.  The City signed a 5-year contract with Wemiga Waste and Lance Refuse to haul trash rather than the city.  According to the City Council, the overhead costs of maintaining trash hauling and continuing the sticker system were leaving a deficit for the city.  The cost of private trash hauling is $19.75 for a large bin and $16.75 for the 65 gallon bin.  The following were some of the questions residents had:

 What about a smaller sized bin for those who do not have very much trash or none?

According to Wemiga Waste and Lance Refuse, anything smaller than 65 gallons does not work with their trucks.

 Why was the smaller, 65 gallons bin not the first option?

The expectation that residents would overstuff the bin and it would be more difficult to get them to use the larger bin.

 Does the trash have to be in a bag?

Yes, all trash must be bagged and the lid to the bin must shut completely.

 Was there a bidding process to privatize trash hauling?

No; the two private companies made a proposal to the City Council.  Mayor Brimhall clarified that the companies have been approaching the city for several years to take over trash hauling.

 How many employees will lose their jobs with the switch to private trash hauling?

Three temporary employees.

 What do residents do with the trash stickers already purchased?

The city is looking into a credit to the utility bill.

 Will there be a cost per bin increase during the 5-year contract period?

As of now, there is not a fee increase scheduled, however an up to two percent increase per year can occur.

 What about bins for apartments in the Main Street Mt. Pleasant district?

Details on how that will work are being considered.

Do the bins need to be picked up or will they be delivered?

Bins will be delivered to your address.

 

See a copy of the Curbside Residential Solid Waste Collection Agreement between the City of Mount Pleasant, Wemiga Waste Inc., and Lance Refuse Inc.

Waste Agreement

 

 

 

 

Republican Caucus Scheduled…

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 8:07 am CDT

The Henry County Republican Caucus is scheduled for January 15, 2024, at 7:00pm.  The following is a list of caucus locations:

Precinct 1: Wayland at the Waco School Gym

Precinct 2: Winfield at the Veterans Building

Precinct 3 & 8: Salem Elementary School Building

Precincts 4, 5, 6, & 7: Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church

Precinct 9: New London Community Center

 

Party Registration will be from 5:30pm – 6:30pm if you are not registered or are changing your registration.

 

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers Retiring…

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 9:29 pm CDT

Two long time Mt. Pleasant Police Officers are retiring on December 31, 2023.   Mayor Steve Brimhall and the City Council accepted the retirement of Sergeant Michael Stalder who began his service to the City of Mt. Pleasant in 1995.  After 28 years of service, Sergeant Stalder was recognized by Chief Lyle Murray for dedication, loyalty, and honorable service at the Mt. Pleasant City Council Meeting on Wednesday.

Mayor Steve Brimhall and the City Council also accepted the retirement of Sergeant Richard Lanphier who has had a 33-year career with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and was hired in 1990.   Chief Murray recognized Sergeant Lanphier for his dedication, loyalty, and honorable service at the Mt. Pleasant City Council Meeting on Wednesday.  Both officers have received letters of commendation during their careers.

The Mt. Pleasant City Council approved the hiring of Storm E. Swanson to fill the position of Police Officer made open by the retiring officers, and the council approved a new police car for the department.

 

Mt. Pleasant Citizens Express Frustration at MP City Council Meeting…

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 8:56 pm CDT

The Mt. Pleasant City Council listened to questions and citizen frustration for close to two hours Wednesday night at their regular session meeting.  It was the 1st reading of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 “Solid Waste” and Chapter 25 “Solid Waste Charges.  The City has signed a 5-year contract with two private garbage haulers to take over those services for the City of Mt. Pleasant.  At issue with the over 30 citizens in attendance were the cost of the private service and no choice to opt out of receiving the service.  Citizens spoke out about not receiving adequate notification and not having enough time to let their voice be heard by the council.  There were concerns about elderly or disabled citizens not being able to get the container to the curb, and those on a fixed income being able to afford the fee.

Mt Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall and City Administrator Brent Schleisman explained that the sticker system the city has been using caused a deficit this year. The city is unable to meet overhead costs because of workman’s compensation, rising insurance premiums, and would not have been able to purchase a new garbage truck that met insurance standards.  Another option discussed was raising the price of garbage stickers, but that would have caused residents to go to private trash haulers, as has happened in the past.  The City of Mt. Pleasant does not profit from the change to private trash haulers.

Citizens will be automatically charged $19.75 per month for a 95-gallon bin.  The only other option is a 65-gallon bin for $16.75 per month and residents must physically change to their plan to the smaller size online or by calling City Hall.  You have until April 1st, 2024, to make that change with no fee. The amended Solid Waste Collection fees will be shown on each residential monthly utility bill starting in March 2024.  If you would like to see the size of the bins, you will find them in that alley beside City Hall.

The trash pickup with Wemiga Waste and Lance Refuse will begin on February 7th, 2024, and citizens should be looking for a letter from the City of Mt. Pleasant during the next two weeks explaining the two options and giving residents more information.

 

See a copy of the Curbside Residential Solid Waste Collection Agreement between the City of Mount Pleasant, Wemiga Waste Inc., and Lance Refuse Inc.

Waste Agreement

 

 

Darrel R. Rogers

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, December 27th, 2023 at 11:25 am CDT

Darrel R. Rogers, 72, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, December 24, 2023 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.